Design by Josh M

No one to remind you of the thing you swore you wouldn’t forget… No one to check in when you’re acting weird… No one to save the group project, hold friendships together, or call you out when you’re not thinking straight. The world would be a mess.

Women don’t just exist in our lives; they keep them moving, steady, and whole. They bring balance, energy, and a level of awareness most of us can’t even process. And yet, half the time, they don’t get the credit they deserve. That’s exactly why we need to change that, not just on International Women’s Day, but every day. Because let’s be real, every single one of us has been shaped, supported, or straight-up saved by the women around us.

Mothers who gave us life, raised us to be good people, and still try to protect us from harm. Sisters with whom we may disagree with sometimes, but who always give us a hug in the end. Aunts who are like our second mothers. Cousins, our partners in mischief. Grandmothers who are certain we are perfect in every way (and like to spoil us from time to time). And then there are the friends, the ones who stick around through everything, who know when to gas us up and when to humble us, who turn ordinary moments into lifelong memories.

They’ve been there for us in ways big and small, shaping who we are without asking for anything in return. And yet, too often, their impact goes unnoticed.

Think about it, women have a built-in awareness the rest of us are still trying to download. They’ll clock a vibe shift before it even happens. Have you ever been a situation where something feels off, but you can’t put your finger on it? Yeah, chances are, a woman already peeped the problem, analysed the situation, and figured out a game plan before you even noticed.

Then there’s the way women hold friendships together. Most guys’ friendships run on nothing but dry convos, an occasional “yo,” and sending each other the same five memes. Women? They actually check in, make sure people are good, and keep friendships from falling apart. If your group chat hasn’t completely died, chances are a woman is the reason it’s still alive.

And let’s talk about balance. Women somehow plan everything to perfection while still bringing the most chaotic, fun energy to any situation. They’ll have the whole event mapped out, but they’re also the ones convincing you to do something reckless for the memories. Efficiency and entertainment in one? Unmatched.

And if there’s anyone who proves that every single day, it’s my mom. Unmatched. She’s the reason I function, probably the reason I even eat. She keeps things together, looks out for me in ways I don’t even notice, and somehow does it all while making it look easy. I’d be lost without her, simple as that.

And the crazy part? She’s not the only one. So many women do this, effortlessly holding things together, making sure everyone else is okay, barely stopping to think about themselves. Women’s effort is often expected, rarely acknowledged. The late-night pep talks, quiet sacrifices, and emotional heavy lifting, it’s time we actually see them for it.

Like how my friend Charlotte always knows when something’s off, even when I haven’t said a word. She’ll call me out when I’m out of line, push me to talk when I need to, and somehow know exactly when to drop a joke to make everything feel lighter. It’s like she has a sixth sense for emotions, always picking up on things the rest of us miss.

And then there’s Izzy, someone I don’t have to explain myself to because she just gets me. She’s the kind of friend who makes everything feel effortless, who brings the type of fun that doesn’t need a reason. Whether it’s messing around, having the most unserious conversations, or just existing in the same space, she makes life better without even trying.

Lera, on the other hand, is the definition of confidence. She’ll say exactly what’s on her mind, no filter, no hesitation, and honestly, I respect it. She’s the one who will challenge you, push you to see things from a different angle, even if it annoys you in the moment. But at the end of the day, she’s real, and that’s what matters.

And Esther? She’s just solid. No overcomplicated deep talk, no drama, just someone I know I can rely on. Whether it’s cracking jokes, chilling, or just knowing she’s there when I need her, she’s the type of friend that makes things feel steady. No matter what’s going on, I know I can count on her, and sometimes, that’s exactly what you need.

And then there’s Mahina. Back when we were in the debating team together, she always had something up her sleeve, some argument, some angle no one else had thought of. It’s not just about debating, it’s that ability to think ahead, to change the game entirely, that you see in so many women.

Most importantly, women listen. You ever vent to a guy, and all he says is, “Damn, that’s crazy”? Yeah. Women actually listen, process, and give real advice. They don’t just hear you; they understand. I’ve lost count of the times I’ve been stuck in my own head, overthinking, spiralling, not knowing what to do. And every single time, it’s been a woman, my mom, Charlotte, Izzy, a cousin, who’s pulled me out of it. Not with empty words, but with honesty, care, and the kind of advice that genuinely helps.

And that’s exactly why today matters. It’s not just about a holiday, it’s about recognising the women who make life better, who hold us up even when we don’t realise it.

So yeah, shoutout to all the women out there, the ones who hold it down, make life better, and do it all without asking for credit. We see you, we appreciate you, and honestly? We’d be lost without you.

But appreciation isn’t just about saying it, it’s about showing it. So, take a second today. Text your mom, your sister, your best friend, that teacher who made a difference. Tell them they matter, that you see them. And if nothing else, just a simple ‘thank you’ is enough. Because sometimes, even the smallest acknowledgment can mean the world.

Because at the end of the day, Women’s Day isn’t just about celebrating them. It’s about showing up for them, the way they always show up for us.

Happy International Women’s Day. Y’all are the real ones.